The Cacti derivative, Orchid is a simple plant to repot. Follow the steps below on repotting your Cacti. The steps are very similar to any other plant in the Cactaceae family.
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How to repot Orchid
Read the essential steps below to ensure the thriving health of your Orchid, from optimal timing and gentle extraction to precise soil selection as part of repotting.
1 – Water Orchid profusely before repotting
Step one is all about preparation. Ensure you’re repotting during a growth phase of Orchid if you want to get the most out of repotting. In addition to this, consider watering generously beforehand to loosen the soil and you have the right soil for your Orchid to hand. The below table should help you out.
| Bloom time | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Soil PH | Acidic |
2 – Turn your Orchid and the pot upside down to repot
After you have watered your Orchid, it should be easy to remove by pulling from the the root slowly and carefully or picking the Orchid up and turning it on its head.
3 – Place Orchid in new soil when repotting
Place in new soil in the new pot and add extra soil (if necessary) to the pot of your Orchid, the soil type you should use is Well-drained soil. It may be useful to check you have the right type of soil for your Orchid before you begin the repotting process and maybe consider buying a plant that is similar like a Living Stones so you don’t waste soil.
Caring for your Orchid into the future
Once the repotting procedure for Orchid is complete, it becomes crucial to familiarize yourself with its ongoing care requirements so you can avoid having to repot again or worse, the death of your plant.
Once the repotting process is done for your Orchid, what should you do?
When you repot, it’s important to make sure the repotting process is effective and your Orchid grows to how tall it can get in its new pot which is 2 to 10 ft. tall. Orchid should also be kept in an area where the sun exposure is ideal and it gets Partial sun exposure in its new home.
This shouldn’t be a big issue if you are growing your Orchid in the recommended area of the US which is in the hardiness zone: 10 – 11, USA. With the right care and some common sense of the fact Orchid is usually found in Central and South America, it should grow well.
When can you expect your repotted Orchid to bloom?
Like all plants in the same family like Moon Cactus, a mature Orchid may get to 2 to 10 ft. tall but only if you take care of it. Better yet, it may even bloom. If you get a burst of Red, white, orange, yellow, pink, purple blooms during the Spring, summer period then you’ll know you’ve done the right job with repotting.
Where should you keep Orchid? Inside or outside?
Deciding on keeping a plant outside can be a risky option if you’re not sure how well your Orchid will hold up in the change of climate. However, the good news is, now you have repotted it, it can always be brought back inside if you notice sub-optimal plant growth.
Take a look at the hardiness zone (10 – 11, USA) and the plant’s original native area (Central and South America). Then compare it to whether you think your local environment will suit your Orchid or if you’re putting it at risk by keeping it outdoors.
What is Orchid called botanically?
Your Orchid may have other names you could call it. Consider the botanical and scientific names for the plants below. You may need this information when considering what soil type to buy or to get more specific on how to take care of it.
| Scientific name | Orchid Cactus Epiphyllum |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Epiphyllum Spp. |
For a different plant in this family, check out Watercresss which will provide a nice contrast. Alternatively, to find a plant that is can be repotted in a similar way, maybe Key Lime Pie Plants are a good fit as they are in the same family.
General care for repotting Orchid
Orchid is from the family of Cactaceae and you may have also known that it is a type of Cacti which is harmless once mature.